Q: What are the laws for car ownership in CA? My grandma took my car and she won't tell me where it's at I need it back
My grandma who went with me and offered to be a co signer so I can purchase a car with my own money $5,000 and she OFFERED TO ADD ME TO HER INSURANCE and than after three days she went and got a loan to pay for car she also took my name off the papers ownership she did this without my knowledge and I already had plans between me and the dealership. How was she able to change anything? Is that legal in CA? I have had my car for over a yr,she never should of gotten a loan without me knowing or agreeing I was in a accident on June 1 st and it was a hit n run and I filed a police report and she came and had my car towed so the insurance can fix it and it's been over a month she hasn't reached out to me answer any calls or respond to my letter what can I do I want my car back,right now I'm going through so much and I need my car more than ever I have no where to live now. I have nothing and it's not right she hasn't given it back.can I due her ? She had to forge my signature as well
A:
In California, if you purchased the car with your own money and your name was initially on the ownership papers, any change to the title or ownership should have required your consent and signature. If your grandmother removed your name from the ownership documents without your knowledge, this could be considered fraud or forgery, which are illegal acts.
You have the right to retrieve your car, especially if you can prove you paid for it and your name was originally on the title. The first step is to gather all documentation proving your ownership, including the initial purchase agreement and any communication with the dealership. You should also file a report with the police about the unauthorized transfer of ownership and the withholding of your vehicle.
It may be beneficial to consult with a legal professional who can help you navigate the process of proving ownership and addressing the fraudulent actions taken against you. They can assist in taking legal action against your grandmother if necessary. Additionally, you should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to report the forgery and request an investigation into the title transfer.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
